ERP as biomarkers of early selective attentional bias, reward sensitivity, and vulnerability to excessive internet use

Within a precision medicine perspective, this study investigated electrophysiological biomarkers of early selective attention and reward process, and psychosocial risk factors related to excessive internet use in a non-clinical population. The degree of internet use [evaluated through Internet Addiction Test (IAT)], anxiety and depression levels were assessed in 24 young healthy adults. N1 and P2 Event Related-Potential (ERPs) components were monitored as biomarkers during a Go/NoGo Task performance with different addiction-related background pictures. Results indicated IAT scores were positively correlated with trait anxiety, depression levels, Go N1 amplitude in Pz, and Go P2 amplitude in Cz for videogames stimuli. In contrast, a negative correlation was found between IAT and No-Go P2 amplitude in Cz. Overall, trait anxiety and depression levels are confirmed as risk factors for excessive internet use. Moreover, early selective attention and reward sensitivity seem to be partially biased towards videogames stimuli in individuals with higher scores at IAT. The analysis of specific biomarkers (ERP components), which mark the vulnerability to the development of a clinical disorder, can be useful for developing tailor made neurocognitive preventive interventions.